Surrey fire crews to trial body worn cameras
It's in a bid to eliminate any potential harassment and abuse towards staff
Staff at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are to start wearing body worn cameras.
The technology's being introduced in a bid to eliminate any potential harassment and abuse towards staff, aid learning and support post-incident reviews as well as provide evidence for investigations by capturing videos at incidents.
As part of an initial trial, Fire Investigation Officers and Response Officers will be the first to don the cameras.
SFRS’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Sally Wilson, said: “The introduction of body worn cameras is a significant step for our service.
"Firefighter safety is absolutely paramount and although the number of attacks on our staff is very low, having had just two of this nature in the last year, any of these incidents are too many, and the cameras will help us improve their safety.
"It will also improve effectiveness of our operational response and support with any subsequent investigations which aids learning and development for our whole organisation.”
The National Fire Chiefs Council previously recommended all UK fire services should be wearing cameras, due to an increase in fire crew attacks.